suze,
You're probably right that I should leave some of the stuff at home. I still have a while to work on this. Part of my problem is that I'm not really used to cold weather and tend to feel cold when others don't seem bothered. Same with wet -- I like dry. So why, I ask, am I going to Germany in December, when it's much colder than here at home and often rainy, to prowl the outdoor Christmas markets? Heaven only knows! I think I've lost my mind.

I'm no expert and have never once been to Germany in December (there's my disclaimer)! I was in Switzerland once in November is the closest I've gotten -lol!

But if I were making this trip I'd go with nice city winter clothes... low heeled/rubber soled water resistant black boots, winter trousers, a couple layers on top, a winter coat of some sort, gloves, hat, scarf... not in waterproof clothing like you'd use for hiking or camping.

Just make sure you have enough so if one outfit gets wet, you have a dry one as backup. The beauty to me of winter travel is don't even worry about washing any of the outer layers for only a 9 day trip.

Oh if it's raining, you duck into a cafe and have a glass of wine or something warm to drink ;-) You don't need to plan this trip assuming the very worst weather and as if you'll be out in the elements 24/7.

Gary - Your pictures illustrate why I keep going back. I get a warm feeling just looking at them. I'm sorry I will miss St. Nicholaus day this year. But, better late than never.
crckwc - Enjoy!

You need ONE wind- and waterproof warm coat, and wear it for the flight, so it does not go into the luggage. Packing two coats, and wearing a third for the journey? does not make sense. Also wear the bulkiest pair of shoes for the flight and take them off on the plane.

Add scarf, hat, gloves as the others said, and thin insulating inlay soles to put into your shoes - they make a helluva difference on freezing pavement. If you can't find them at home, buy them when you are here, they cost just a few Euros.
I prefer fleece to wool because it dries quickly and can be washed so you can wear it twice as long.

I have experienced the Christmas markets in Saxony in temperatures of -15°C and icy wind, which was really something, Glühwein did not help any more - however, the least comfortable conditions are temperatures slightly above zero, rain and strong wind. Prepare for all eventualities.

I take a down jacket that fits into the pocket of the down jacket. That compressed. It also makes a great pillow. I have a jack wolfskin coat from Germany that is waterproof with a hood that I am taking next month and can wear over the very light weight down jacket. Scarf, gloves, head band style hat, smart wool socks and I wear jeans. We have a washer/dryer where we are staying. I am taking a pair of tights to wear if I am really cold. Shoes, one pair of leather walking shoes and a pair of boots just in case on gets wet. I am a Floridian so don't have a lot of winter clothing. I do layers.

No, not three coats - two - pack the lightweight jacket and take the heavier (it's not really heavy but it's down and it's warm) coat onboard. Maybe I don't need the down coat. I don't live where it's very cold so it may be overkill but I would rather take it and never wear it than be there needing it and I left it at home. Wearing boots onboard which I'll take off and slip on fold-up slippers, packing another pair of thick-soled, waterproof shoes because I never, ever go anyplace with only one pair of shoes. I wear orthotics with a cushioned insole over, so there's lots between my feet and the cold ground. I have the smart wool socks, scarf, gloves, umbrella, earmuffs, silk long johns, 3 pair slacks, several long sleeved tops, a cashmere pullover sweater, one gown (or p.j.s), one warm but lightweight robe and 2 or 3 sets of undies that I don't mind washing while traveling. All this fits into my 20" roller but I'm taking a slightly larger bag so that I can bring back stuff. So, what am I missing?

You will need more than one sweater, or do you intend to wear the same one nine days in a row? Better pack two or three instead of the additional jacket. I am still not sure why you need two jackets.

Why not? (wear the same sweater every day). I wouldn't pack more than one of either (jacket or sweaters).

**sniff**

That's why.

I assumed you have another piece or two of clothing on under the sweater, that it was not against your skin.

suze - yes, a pullover sweater to wear over a knit shirt which goes over a light thermal undershirt, if needed.
quokka - I failed to mention the black cardigan that I take on every trip. Probably don't "need" two coats - just "want" two coats. All layered up, I might not need even one coat, but I'm taking two -- just because.

We depart Thanksgiving Day 2013 for the Christmas Markets. Heading to opening ceremonies at Rothenburg for that Friday. I think this will be our 6 or 7th time to do this. Really looking forward to it. Rothenburg is small, quaint and a lot of fun to go to.

You seem to have a good handle on what you need. Some years have been nice and sunny for us, others have been cold. You will not know that until you get there. I always take normal pants and use long johns as needed. May take one pair of jeans but agree on them getting dry if wet. My wife is taking only black jeans and pants. Good for the day, good for the restaurants at night. Definitely gloves, scarf and hat.

I also take travel underwear and socks. They wash out in the sink and dry overnight. Love these things! Been using them for 10 years on trips. Expensive to buy from Exofficio but great for trips like this to keep down the weight and not have to carry your 10 day supply of dirty underwear along all trip. I also have some undershirts from them.

You have me tasting the Gluwein already! Great time to be in Germany! We will also be in Garmisch and Heidelberg this time. Staying at our old haunts from previous trips.

<<a pullover sweater to wear over a knit shirt which goes over a light thermal undershirt>>

See that's why one sweater is plenty. Plus it's only 9 days.

I still don't get the reason for 2 coats though, or how that's "packing light". And definitely do not take those "waterproof pants"!!!!

When I read "waterproof pants" I envisioned the rain gear that the highway patrol wears in the rain :)

But yeah, I wouldn't worry too much about the all-weather gear - just plan to visit museums and cafes when the weather is bad. I keep telling my husband that we need to go to Europe in the winter - he wants to know why. So we can haunt museums and cafes, of course.

I did not read all the replies but one thing I just discovered was Capeli fleeced lined leggings! There are so soft and warm. They also make fleece lined tops and they are cute and stylish.

annesherrod - the Capeli lined leggings sound great. Thanks. Where would I find them?

november_moon - not bright yellow LOL but black and look like regular slacks - lined with something lightweight and warm

suze - we both seem to be obsessed with the two coats - you because two are too many, me because I think two are just right - LOL - pack the light one,weighs nothing, wear/carry the down one on the plane - not technically "packing light" by some standards, but whatever, it's what I'm going to do.

It's going to be cold in Germany, so you already got the warmers you'll need in your list. Scarf/shawl, gloves, winter coat/jacket, beanie/bonnet and of course umbrella (if it rains - winters can be unpredictable) is all you need. You only need to pack lightly.

I lived in Munich for 15 years in the '80s/'90s so got used to living in a Central European climate. When visiting friends in December (doing it again this year for 8 days) I make sure I have at least one pair of warm shoes/boots that are properly waterproof. Because it can rain heavily, and because it can snow. Snow in the city turns into slush very quickly, and it's no fun walking with wet or cold feet. If you've got a pair of shoes or boots with proper ridges on the soles you've also got a bit of help if/when the snow/slush turns to ice. Everything else I do with layers that are easy to put on/take off when going into museums/shops/restaurants or friends' homes. The lace-up waterproof shoes I wear on the flight, I carry or wear the quilted coat, gloves in the pocket, and everything else fits in a carry-on suitcase for the flight out. If I've bought a lot at the Christmas markets, I check in my carry-on on the flight home and have a large soft shoulder bag as a carry-on for the breakables. Hand-carved Christmas decorations from the Erzgebirge being one of my weaknesses and great for Christmas presents when I get back home. Have a wonderful time!

I just bought pair of the Capeli leggings at Bed Bath and Beyond. $9.98 They seem warm and fit under my wind pants nicely.